How can I find out if I have prediabetes?

Prediabetes is diagnosed when the blood sugar is elevated above normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.  Fasting sugar levels between 100 and 125 mg/dl constitute prediabetes. The good news is that if you do have prediabetes, a healthy diet and exercise can allow the blood sugar to convert to normal.

Your doctor can tell if you have prediabetes or diabetes by doing a simple test that measures the level of blood sugar in the body. Normal fasting blood glucose is between 70 and 100 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL for those who do not have diabetes. If your fasting blood glucose level is between 100 and 125 mg/dl, you have prediabetes. If your fasting blood glucose level is 126 mg/dl or higher, you have diabetes. Ask your doctor what steps you can take to lose weight and decrease the chance of getting diabetes.

The American Diabetic Association encourages all people over age forty-five to have a blood glucose test every 3 years. Early detection of diabetes will allow you to get proper treatment and prevent complications.